Apparatus for combusting collected diesel exhaust material from aftertreatment devices and method

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for combusting soot from a diesel engine exhaust aftertreatment device. The apparatus includes a cabinet having a housing, a heating element positioned within the housing of the cabinet, and a mounting arrangement for securing the diesel engine exhaust aftertreatment device above the heating element. The apparatus also includes an ash collection container mounted beneath a floor of the housing for collecting ash that falls from the diesel engine exhaust aftertreatment device during heating.

This application is being filed on 18 Jan. 2006 as a PCT InternationalPatent application in the name of Donaldson Company, Inc., a U.S.national corporation, applicant for the designation of all countriesexcept the US, and Wayne M. Wagner, Mary Joanne Lorenzen, and John T.Herman, all citizens of the U.S., applicants for the designation of theUS only, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/658,612, filed Mar. 4, 2005.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to devices and methods forservicing/cleaning diesel particulate filters or other aftertreatmentdevices.

BACKGROUND

To reduce air pollution, engine exhaust emissions standards have becomeincreasingly more stringent. Aftertreatment devices have been developedto satisfy these increasingly stringent standards. For example,catalytic converters have been used to reduce the concentration ofpollutant gases (e.g., hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitric oxide,etc.) exhausted by engines. With respect to diesel engines, dieselparticulate filters have been used to reduce the concentration ofparticulate matter (e.g., soot) in the exhaust stream. U.S. Pat. No.4,851,015, which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses anexample diesel particulate filter. Other example types of aftertreatmentdevices include lean NOx catalyst devices, selective catalytic reduction(SCR) catalyst devices, lean NOx traps, or other device for removing forremoving pollutants from engine exhaust streams.

At times, it is required to service aftertreatment devices. Tofacilitate servicing, aftertreatment devices are often clamped into anexhaust system as modules or separate units. For example, clamps can beprovided at flange interfaces located opposite adjacent opposite ends ofthe aftertreatment devices. By removing the end clamps, a givenaftertreatment device can be removed from its corresponding exhaustsystem for servicing.

In use, aftertreatment devices occasionally become overloaded with soot,ash or other materials present in or generated from engine exhaust. Asaftertreatment devices become overloaded, the devices cause undesirablebackpressure in their corresponding exhaust systems. When anaftertreatment device becomes plugged to the point where excessivebackpressure is a concern, it is recommended to remove the device fromits corresponding exhaust system for servicing. To service a device suchas a diesel particulate filter, it is known to manually move a focusedstream of pressurized air back and forth across the outlet side of thefilter to loosen soot/ash that has collected on the filter. For example,a compressed air gun (e.g., 50-100 psi) can be used as a source ofpressurized air. Simultaneously, an industrial vacuum device is coupledto the inlet side of the filter. The vacuum device is typically equippedwith a high-efficiency particulate air filter or ultra-low penetrationair filter for collecting the soot/ash that is blown from the filter bythe pressurized air. Total time for cleaning the filter depends on thesize of the filter, but is typically 30-50 minutes. However, the smallvolume of compressed air typically provided from a compressed air nozzlecan often diffuse rapidly into the porous core of the aftertreatmentdevice thereby limiting effectiveness.

Diesel particulate filters can also be cleaned by using a heatingprocess to combust material captured on the filters. It is known to useovens for heating the diesel particulate filter. When heating filters inan oven, filters have been known to crack because the combustion isuncontrolled.

What is needed is an improved device/method for servicing overloadeddiesel particulate filters or other exhaust aftertreatment devices.

SUMMARY

Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to devices and methodsfor efficiently and effectively combusting diesel exhaust materialpresent on diesel particulate filters or other aftertreatment devices.

Examples representative of a variety of inventive aspects are set forthin the description that follows. The inventive aspects relate toindividual features as well as combinations of features. It is to beunderstood that both the forgoing general description and the followingdetailed description merely provide examples of how the inventiveaspects may be put into practice, and are not intended to limit thebroad spirit and scope of the inventive aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an aftertreatment device regeneration cleanerhaving features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a vent and hood assembly of the cleanerof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heating element and ash collectioncontainer of the cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a base assembly of the cleaner of FIG.1;

FIG. 7 is an end view of the base assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows an insulation layer for insulating an aftertreatment deviceduring the heat cleaning process;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a control system for an aftertreatmentdevice regeneration cleaner having features that are examples ofinventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an aftertreatment device cleanerincluding the control system of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a aftertreatment deviceinsulating component shown at FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, references are made to theaccompanying drawings that depict various embodiments which are examplesof how certain inventive aspects may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural andfunctional changes may be made without departing from the broad scope ofthe inventive aspects.

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for efficientlyand effectively cleaning diesel particulate filters (DPF) or otherexhaust aftertreatment devices. In one embodiment, a cleaner includes acabinet in which a heating element is positioned. A compressed airoutlet is provided beneath the heating element. An ash collectioncontainer is mounted beneath the compressed air outlet. A hood isprovided for venting the products of combustion from the cabinet. Ablower or fan can be used to force air into the cabinet for facilitatingventing the products of combustion through the hood. In use, a dieselparticulate filter or other aftertreatment device is mounted over theheating element and the heating element is heated to start thecombustion process. To promote controlled combustion, pulses of air fromthe compressed air outlet are directed into the region beneath theheating element. The pulses move through the diesel particulate filteror other aftertreatment device to enhance the combustion process. Airnozzles used in generating the pulses can be aimed directly at thediesel particulate filter being serviced or away from the dieselparticulate filter being serviced.

Throughout the remainder of the specification, cleaning devices andmethods are described primarily with respect to cleaning dieselparticulate filters. However, it will be appreciated that the samedevices and methods can be used to clean other types of engine exhaustaftertreatment devices as well. Other example aftertreatment devicesthat may require servicing include catalytic converters, lean NOxcatalyst devices, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst devices,lean NOx traps, or other devices for removing for removing pollutantsfrom the exhaust stream. The methods and cleaners can also be used toclean other types of filters/treatment devices, and are not limitedexclusively to engine exhaust aftertreatment devices.

Diesel particulate filter substrates can have a variety of knownconfigurations. An exemplary configuration includes a monolith ceramicsubstrate having a “honey-comb” configuration of plugged passages asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,015 that is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. This type of filter can be referred to as awall-flow trap or filter. Common materials used for wall-flow filtersinclude silicon carbide and cordierite. Wire mesh, corrugated metal foiland other flow-through type filter configurations can also be used. Incertain embodiments, the filter substrate can include a catalyst.Exemplary catalysts include precious metals such as platinum, palladiumand rhodium, and other types of components such as base metals orzeolites.

As described herein, aftertreatment devices are described as havinginlet sides or faces and outlet sides or faces. The inlet side or faceof an aftertreatment device is the side that faces the incoming flow ofexhaust when installed in an exhaust system. The inlet side can bereferred to as the “dirty” side since it is the side at which materialfiltered from the exhaust stream collects. The outlet side or face of anaftertreatment device is the side that faces away from the incoming flowof exhaust when installed in an exhaust system. The outlet side can bereferred to as the “clean” side.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a cleaner 20 having features that are examplesof inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure. The cleaner 20 includes a cabinet 21 having a rectangularhousing 22 supported on legs 33 that elevate the housing 22 above theground. The legs 33 and a bottom wall 24 of the housing 22 cooperate toform a base assembly 25 (see FIG. 6 and 7) of the cabinet 21. The frontof the cabinet 21 includes a door 40 that can be opened to provideaccess to the interior of the housing 22. An ash collection container 42is mounted under the housing 22 for collecting ash that drops from theDPF's as the DPF's are cleaned. A vent stack 44 is mounted at the top ofthe housing 22 for venting the products of combustion from the housing22.

Referring to FIG. 3, the vent stack 44 is in fluid communication with afume and heat containment chamber 23 within the interior of the housing22. The vent stack 44 is part of an assembly including a hood 46. Thehood 46 is mounted beneath the vent stack 42 within the chamber 23.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a heating element 50 (e.g., an electricheating element (e.g., a coil, grid or other structure) or other heatingstructure) is mounted in the chamber 23 adjacent the bottom wall 24 ofthe housing 22. A heat reflector 52 (e.g., a porous ceramic disc/plate)is mounted beneath the heating element 50. Preferably, the reflector 52is sufficiently porous to readily allow air and ash to passtherethrough. In one embodiment, the reflector 52 includes 5-25 poresper inch and has a thickness in the range of 0.5-2 inches. The reflector52 prevents radiant heat loss into the ash container since air flowthrough the reflector 52 carries heat from the reflector upwardly to thediesel particulate filter being serviced.

The heating element 50 and the reflector 52 are mounted within acylindrical first pipe section 100 having flanged upper and lower ends.The flanged upper end allows an aftertreatment device to be clamped inplace (e.g., with v-band clamp 102) over the heating element 50. Thelower flanged end of the first pipe section 100 is clamped to the upperflanged end of a second pipe section 104 (e.g., with v-band clamp 106).The second pipe section 104 includes an enlarged diameter portion 108connected to a reduced diameter portion 110 by a conical diametertransition portion 112. The second pipe section 104 is secured (e.g.,welded or fastened) to a rim 114 secured to the bottom wall 24 of thecabinet 21. The reduced diameter portion 110 of the second pipe section104 projects downwardly below the bottom wall 24 and has a flanged lowerend.

The ash collection container 42 is clamped (e.g., with v-band clamp 116)to the lower flanged end of the second pipe section 104. The ashcollection container 42 includes a main bin 43 having an open top endcovered by a lid 45. A pipe section 47 is mounted at the center of thelid 45. The pipe section 47 extends though the lid 45 and has a flangedupper end that can be clamped to the lower flanged end of the secondpipe section 104. The lid 45 is removable from the bin 43 to allow ashto be emptied from the bin 43.

A compressed air outlet 45 (e.g., a nozzle, hose, pipe, of otherstructure) is positioned between the reflector 52 and the container 42.For example, in FIG. 5, the outlet 45 is shown connected to a compressedair line 122 that extends through an opening 120 in the second pipesection 104. In the depicted embodiment, the outlet 45 is configured todirect air in a downward direction toward the container 42. In otherembodiments, the outlet may direct air upwardly toward the heatingelement or laterally toward the side wall of the second pipe section104.

It is preferred of the outlet 45 to be in fluid communication with asource of compressed air 124 via the line 122. A controller 126 controlsthe amount of air provided to the outlet 45. The flow can becontrolled/metered to control the rate of combustion at theaftertreatment device being serviced. In one embodiment, the controllerinterfaces with a solenoid 128 that opens and closes to provide pulsesof air to the outlet 45. In one embodiment, the source of compressed airhas a pressure of at least 60 pounds per square inch (psi), or in therange of 60-100 psi, or preferably about 90 psi. In another embodiment,flow rates preferably in the range of 0.5-2.0 standard cubic feet perminute (SCFM) are provided beneath the heating element duringregeneration. In still another embodiment, pulses having durations inthe range of 0.25-1 s, a pulse frequency of about 2-15 or 2-8 pulses perminute, and a flow rate in the range of 0.5-2.5 SCFM or 0.75-1.25 SCFMare provided beneath the heating element. It will be appreciated thatthe above numerical information is provided for illustration purposesonly, and is not intended to limit the broad inventive aspects of thepresent disclosure.

The pulses of air provide a number of functions. For example, the airpulses impinge on the aftertreatment device causing soot and ash packedon the device to be dislodged and to fall into the container 42. Theupward flow of air also carries and distributes heat evenly through theaftertreatment device. By controlling the air flow rate, the amount ofoxygen supplied to the aftertreatment device can also be controlled tocontrol the core temperature and combustion rate. In a preferredembodiment, the high pressure air pulse can penetrate soot built-up onthe diesel particulate filter.

A blower 70 or fan is also mounted in the housing 22. A wall 52 (seeFIG. 4) separates the blower 50 from the chamber 23. A hose 54 providesfluid communication between the blower 50 and the interior of the mainchamber. The blower 70 forces air into the main chamber to facilitateventing the products of combustion from the chamber.

In use of the system, the front door 40 of the cabinet is opened toprovide access to the chamber 23. With the door open 40, a dieselparticulate filter (DPF) can be mounted (e.g., clamped or otherwisesecured) on top of the heating element. Preferably, the DPF is mountedwith the inlet side facing downwardly and the outlet side facingupwardly. Once the DPF is in place, the door 40 is closed and theheating element is activated to heat the core of the DPF to atemperature suitable for combusting ash on the DPF (e.g., 900-1500 F).During an initial warm-up period (e.g., about 20 minutes), the heatingelement is activated. During this warm up period, it is preferred to notprovide air pulses to the system so that more uniform radiant heating isprovided across the entire face of the core being serviced. Uniformheating prevents preferential air flow paths from developing in the DPFthat may interfere with the ability to uniformly regenerate the entireDPF. After the warm-up period, the air outlet 45 begins to direct pulsesof air downwardly into the container 42 (e.g., at a pulse rate of 0.5seconds on and 15 seconds off). The pulses of air reflect off thecontainer 42 and migrate upwardly through the heat reflector 52, theheating element 50 and the DPF mounted on the heating element 50. Thepulses of air assist in providing uniform combustion temperatures acrossthe entire volume of the DPF while maintaining a controlled combustion.The pulses of air also assist is dislodging ash from the DPF during thecombustion process. The ash falls downwardly from the DPF through theheating element 50 and the heat reflector 52 and is collected in thecontainer 42. The container 42 is preferably periodically disconnectedfrom the cabinet to be emptied.

After the combustion process has been completed (e.g., about 3-5 hours),the heating element 50 turned off and the air flow is increased duringthe cool-down. In one embodiment, the flow rate is increased to at least1.5 times the regeneration air flow rate. For example, the pulse ratecan be increased to 0.5 second on and 4-10 s or 7.5 to 10 seconds off).The cool-down period can often extend for 2-3 hours. After the heatingelement and cabinet interior cool to a predetermined temperature (e.g.,140 F), the front door 40 can be opened to remove the clean DPF.Thereafter, another DPF can be mounted on the heating element 50 and theprocess can be repeated.

During heating, if the heating element fails (e.g., a heating controllerdoes not modulate), the solenoid fails (e.g., sticks open or closed), orthe cabinet temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature, the systemcan be programmed to abort the regeneration cycle.

To make the process more efficient, the DPF, the pipe sections 100, 104and the ash container 42 can be covered with insulating layers (e.g.,heat shields, blankets, sheaths, etc.) For example, FIG. 8 schematicallyshows an insulation sheath/blanket 300 wrapped around the DPF and thepipe sections 100,104.

To improve cleaning, the combustion type cleaner disclosed herein can beused in combination with a pulse cleaner of the type disclosed at U.S.patent application Ser. No. not yet assigned, having attorney docketnumber 758.1913USU1, entitled APPARATUS FOR CLEANING EXHAUSTAFTERTREATMENT DEVICES AND METHODS, filed on a date concurrent herewith,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example,after soot has been combusted from an aftertreatment device with theheat cleaner of the present disclosure, the aftertreatment device canthen be placed in a pulse cleaner to remove any residual ash.

FIG. 9 schematically shows an example control system for a heat cleaner320 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Theheat cleaner 320 includes a cabinet 321 housing a platform/table 323 formounting a DPF, a heating element 350 mounted at a central opening ofthe table 323, a reflector 352 mounted below the heating element 350, anash collection container 342 positioned below the reflector 352, and acompressed air outlet 345 for providing pulses of air that move throughthe DPF during heating. The control system includes a main controller326 that interfaces with the various control components of the heater.The controller 326 can include a microprocessor, memory, output driversand an analog to digital converter and other components conventionallyfound in a controller. The memory can be used to store software/firmwarefor use controlling a visual display (e.g., at a front of the cabinet)and for the overall control of the module.

Referring to still to FIG. 9, the control system includes a frontcontrol panel 400 having a visual display and also having buttons forcontrolling operation of the heat cleaner 320. The visual displayincludes a temperature gage 402 that shows the temperature of theheating element 350. The visual display also includes a light 402 thatis illuminated during heating, a light 404 that is illuminated duringcool-down, and a light 406 that illuminates when a cleaning operationhas been completed. The front control panel 400 further includes a startbutton 408 that an operator can depress to start a heating operation,and an emergency stop bottom 410 that an operator can depress to stop aheating operation at any time. A plurality of wires can be used toelectrically connect the components of the front panel 400 to thecontroller 326.

The controller interfaces with a temperature sensor 405 (e.g., athermocouple or thermometer) provided at the heating element 350 toaccess temperature readings corresponding to the temperature of theheating element 350. The controller 326 uses the temperature readings tocontrol the temperature gage 402. If the temperature of the heatingelement 350 exceeds a predetermined limit, the controller 326 canterminate heating operations by disconnecting the heating element 350from its power supply 412 (e.g., via power switch 414).

The controller 326 further interfaces with an electronic latch 416(e.g., a solenoid of other structure), a door sensor 418 (e.g., a pushswitch or other structure), a fan 420, an aftertreatment device sensor422 (e.g., a proximity sensor or other device for detecting the presenceof an aftertreatment device above the heating element) and a cabinettemperature sensor 224 (e.g., a thermometer, temperature switch or otherstructure for providing feedback regarding temperature). The electroniclatch 416 prevents the cabinet door from being opened during heatingoperations. If it is necessary to open the cabinet door during heatingoperations, the emergency stop button 410 can be pressed to stop heatingoperations and override the latch 416. The door sensor 418 senseswhether the cabinet door is opened or closed. The controller 326 willnot begin a heating operation unless the cabinet door is closed. The fan420 provides air for exhausting/ventilating the cabinet 321. The sensor422 senses whether a DPF is in position over the heating element 350. Ifthe sensor 422 does not detect the presence of a DPF, the controllerwill not allow a heating operation to take place. The controller alsowill terminate heating operations if the cabinet temperature exceeds apredetermined limit as indicated by the cabinet temperature sensor 424.

The controller 326 also interfaces with a solenoid 426 and an airpressure sensor 428. The solenoid 426 receives compressed air from asource of compressed air 430, and is used by the controller 326 tocontrol the pulses (e.g., duration and timing) of air provided to thecompressed air outlet 345. The pressure sensor 428 reads whethersufficient pressure is being provided to the solenoid. If sufficientpressure is not present, the controller will either terminate heatingoperations if heating operations are ongoing, or will prevent heatingoperations from being started.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a heat cleaner 320 including thecontrol system of FIG. 9. The cleaner 320 includes cabinet 321, DPFmounting table 323, heating element 350 and ash collection container342. The DPF mounting table 323 has a central opening at which theheating element is positioned. A DPF retaining arrangement is providedat the top of the table 323. The retaining arrangement includes threesets of slide locks/bars (only two sets are visible) secured to thetable 323 by fasteners (e.g., bolts). Each set of slide bars includes anupper bar 370 and a lower bar 371. The sets of slide bars 370 are spacedat about 120 degree increments about the heating element 350. The upperslide bars 370 have elongated holes 373 for receiving fasteners 377. Byloosening the fasteners, the upper bars 370 can be slid back away fromthe heating element 350 along the top sides of the bars 371 to allow aDPF 375 to be placed on top of the heating element 350. Once the DPF 375is in place, the upper slide bars 370 can be slid toward the DPF toposition where the bars 370 overlap the lower flange of the DPF 375. Theslide bars 370 can then be tightened down with the fasteners 377 suchthat the bars 370 firmly clamp the DPF 375 in place against the top sideof the heating element 350.

Referring still to FIG. 10, the system also includes an insulatingsleeve 500 mounted about the DPF 375 to retain heat therein. The sleeveincludes two half-cylinders 502 that are held together by mechanicallatches 503, hooks or other structures. The half-cylinders 502 includean insulating material 507 (e.g., fiberglass) positioned between innerand outer layers 504, 506 of metal (see FIG. 11). By unhooking thelatches 503, the half-cylinders 502 can be separated from one anotherand placed about the DPF. 375. The latches 503 can then be re-attachedto hold the sleeve 500 about the DPF 375.

Referring again to FIG. 10, the heat cleaner 320 includes a rear controlbox 600 in which the controller 326 is positioned. Wires 603, 604connect the controller respectively to the solenoid 426 and the pressuresensor 428. The solenoid 426 and the pressure sensor 428 are mounted tothe floor of the cabinet 321. The source of compressed air connects tothe solenoid 426 through the floor of the cabinet 321. A hose 607carries compressed air from the pressure sensor 428 to the compressedair outlet 345.

As shown at FIG. 10, the front control panel 400 is positioned at thefront of the cabinet 321. A conduit 605 is used to carry wires thatinterconnect the front panel 400 to the controller 326. The door latch416 and the door sensor 418 are also positioned adjacent the front ofthe cabinet 321. Wires 611, 613 respectively connect the door latch 416and the door sensor 418 to the controller 326. The cabinet temperaturesensor 424 is mounted adjacent the top of the cabinet 321 and isconnected to the controller 326 by wire 615. Fans 420 and anaftertreatment device sensor 422 are mounted to a divider wall 617 thatseparates the cabinet 321 into a DPF cleaning chamber and a controlchamber. The control box 600, the solenoid 428 and the pressure switch428 are positioned within the control chamber. FIG. 10 also shows a wire621 for providing power to the heating element 350, and a wire for 623for allowing the controller 326 to take readings from the temperaturesensor 405.

It will be appreciated that the same types of heating and coolingcycles/processes described with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 5 canalso be used in combination with the heat cleaner of FIG. 10.

The above specification provides examples of how certain inventiveaspects may be put into practice. It will be appreciated that theinventive aspects can be practiced in other ways than those specificallyshown and described herein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the inventive aspects.

1. An apparatus for combusting soot from a diesel engine exhaustaftertreatment device, the apparatus comprising: a cabinet having ahousing; a heating element positioned within the housing of the cabinet;a mounting arrangement for securing the diesel engine exhaustaftertreatment device above the heating element; and an ash collectioncontainer mounted beneath a floor of the housing for collecting ash thatfalls from the diesel engine exhaust aftertreatment device duringheating.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pulsegenerator for directing pulses of air to a location beneath the heatingelement.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pulse generatorincludes a nozzle positioned between the heating element and the ashcollection container that directs the pulse of air downwardly toward theash collection container.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a porous heat reflector positioned beneath the heatingelement at a location between the heating element and the ash collectioncontainer.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a pulsegenerator for directing pulses of air to a location beneath the heatingelement, the pulse generator including a nozzle positioned between theheat reflector and the ash collection container that directs the pulseof air downwardly toward the ash collection container.
 6. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising a vent for venting products of combustionfrom the housing.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising ablower for facilitating venting the products of combustion through thevent.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a doorfor inserting the aftertreatment device into the housing and forremoving the aftertreatment device from the housing, and wherein theapparatus includes a sensor for detecting if the door is opened.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 8, further comprising a controller that prevents theheating element from being heated if the door is open.
 10. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the housing includes a door for inserting theaftertreatment device into the housing and for removing theaftertreatment device from the housing, and wherein the apparatusincludes and electronic latch that prevents the door from being openedwhen the heating element is hot.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, furthercomprising a stop button for deactivating the heating element and fordeactivating the electronic latch.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a cabinet temperature sensor for sensing a temperature withinthe housing, wherein the heating element is deactivated if a temperaturein the housing exceeds a predetermined temperature value.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a heating element temperaturesensor for sensing a temperature of the heating element.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein the apparatus deactivates the heatingelement of the heating element exceeds a predetermined temperature. 15.The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a temperature gage fordisplaying the temperature of the heating element.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising further comprising a fan for facilitatingventing the products of combustion through the vent.
 17. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising an aftertreatment device sensor forsensing whether an aftertreatment device is present above the heatingelement.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a slide lockarrangement for securing the aftertreatment device above the heatingelement.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a platformpositioned within the housing, wherein the slide lock arrangementincludes a plurality of slide bars mounted to the platform, the slidebars being slideable between first positions in which the slide bars areadapted to engage a lower flange of the aftertreatment device to securethe aftertreatment device in place above the heating element, and secondpositions where the slide bars are spaced from the lower flange.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising an insulating component forinsulating the aftertreatment device, the insulating component includingan insulating layer positioned between inner an outer metal layers. 21.The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the insulating component includesfirst and second half-cylinders.
 22. A method for cleaning a dieselengine exhaust aftertreatment device comprising: positioning theaftertreatment device over a heating element; heating the aftertreatmentdevice with the heating element to burn soot on the aftertreatmentdevice; providing pulses of air that move upwardly through theaftertreatment device during heating.
 23. The method of claim 22,further comprising cooling the aftertreatment device by turning off theheating element and increasing the amount of air that flows upwardlythrough the aftertreatment device.
 24. The method of claim 22, whereinno air is pulsed through the aftertreatment device during an initialwarming period.